The 3rd Annual Witches’ Midnight Market will take place from 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday in downtown Lehighton.

Hosted by the Lehighton Area Merchant Association, there is no fee to enter the market, and both free public and paid private parking is available.

Tina Henninger, organizer of event and treasurer of the Lehighton Area Merchants Association, said this event began three years ago as a way to help the local mom and pop businesses survive in the era of big box stores and online shopping, as well as bringing the community together to support the renewal of the historic downtown.

“The vibes we have, it’s very authentic,” said Henninger, who noted its primary purpose is to serve as a community event. “We definitely try to put on as much local talent as possible, and this is something that helps support a lot of local nonprofits, we have our schools there.”

Costumes are encouraged, but not required.

Henninger noted that last year’s event drew over 10,000 people into the historic downtown area, making it one of the largest one day Halloween events in Pennsylvania.

She added that when they started the event three years ago, the closest Witches Market was in Ohio.

This year’s event will see three stages of free entertainment including live musical performances, live DJ, and local comedians.

Tom & Tracy will perform at 2 p.m.; Geode at 2:45 p.m.; Whack Sabbath, a Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, at 4 p.m.; Ricky & The Ricardos at 5:15 p.m.; Zenight at 7:15 p.m.; and Hatter at 9 p.m.

The Hexenbrut (Witch’s Dance) will be danced at 5 p.m. and again at 7 p.m.; the Witches Walk/Parade will be at 7:30 p.m., a costume contest (South First Street stage) at 8 p.m., and scavenger hunt and dueling awards at 8:30 p.m.

This year, there will be a special guest, Ashley Walkowiak, executive director of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women.

Pyro Joe will unveil a rare amusement ride, one of only five left in the country. He will be located on South First Street near Durigan’s parking lot.

New this year, they will add a real-life gaming quest. Using a smartphone, people can gather spells, ingredients and other items to increase their magical power and do battle with others at the Compass Rose in the lower park. Keep those eyes open for QR codes throughout the event space, as one never knows what rewards it could bring.

The market has 150 vendors and a dozen food trucks, free entertainment, a costume contest for both people and pets, in-real time spell quests and duels.

A map of vendors, food trucks, stages, etc. can be found at bit.ly/3Ja92u3